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Baked pasta with white Bolognese sauce and creamed asparagus

⏱ 60 min🍳 30 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

A recipe for baked pasta with ‘white’ Bolognese sauce and creamed asparagus is an inviting alternative to the more traditional lasagna with meat sauce. In order to get the best out of your asparagus, you should prepare this dish mainly in spring when asparagus is in season. Its taste is delicate but full of character, and the whole notion behind this recipe is really quite out of the ordinary. So as not to complicate your life, we suggest preparing both the white Bolognese and the creamed asparagus.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 620 kcal / serving
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
30 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

The day before, prepare a ‘white’ Bolognese sauce made with lean ground beef, following the procedure for the traditional Bolognese sauce except omitting the tomatoes. Also make some creamed asparagus as follows: boil the asparagus in boiling salted water and then drain. In a frying pan sauté some white onion and add the asparagus, cut into small pieces. Let everything cook for a while, then add a bit of cottage cheese, salt and pepper. The next day take the cream of asparagus and supplement it with 50 ml of béchamel sauce. Begin to assemble the dish, alternating layers of the ‘white’ Bolognese sauce, béchamel and parmesan cheese, with the creamed asparagus. Finish with a layer of lasagne, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, some butter and bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes

Tips
Prepare in advance both the ‘white Bolognese’ and the creamed asparagus with ricotta. The next day, you’ll only have to assemble the dish and bake it.
Trivia
Asparagus is particularly rich in potassium, as well as vitamin A and the B vitamins.

Step by step

Bolognese
Bolognese
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream

A variant of the classic recipe is Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream, where the freshness of the asparagus combines with the rich flavor of the white ragu. To prepare it, start by choosing fresh lasagna to alternate with layers of ragu and asparagus cream. This dish can be further enriched by adding béchamel and a sprinkle of grated cheese, which will give a golden crust during baking. The creaminess of the preparation makes every bite enveloping and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Remember to prepare the ragu the day before to allow the flavors to blend well, while the asparagus cream will add a touch of freshness and color to the final dish.

Baked Pasta with Molisana White Ragu

Baked Pasta with Molisana White Ragu represents a highly successful regional variant. In Molise, the white ragu is prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients, such as lean ground beef, without the addition of tomato, to enhance the flavor of the meat. The asparagus, typical of the spring season, is used to create a cream that pairs perfectly with the lasagna. Baking allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and substantial dish, ideal for festive occasions or a dinner among friends. The addition of béchamel and grated cheese makes the preparation even more appetizing, providing an experience of authentic and traditional taste.

Baked Pasta with Light White Ragu and Asparagus Cream

For those looking for a lighter version of Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream, it is possible to opt for a light preparation. By replacing the béchamel with a Greek yogurt cream and reducing the amount of grated cheese, you achieve a lower-calorie dish that is just as tasty. Use whole grain or legume-based lasagna to increase the fiber content and make the dish more nutritious. The asparagus cream, rich in vitamins and minerals, will help maintain the fresh and enveloping flavor of the preparation. This variant is perfect for those who want to eat deliciously without sacrificing health, keeping a close eye on calories.

Benefits of Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream

Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream offers numerous nutritional benefits, thanks to the presence of fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients. Asparagus is known for its diuretic and antioxidant properties, contributing to heart health and aiding digestion. Additionally, they are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as providing minerals such as iron and potassium. The white ragu, made with lean meat, is rich in protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass. A serving of Baked Pasta can contain about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a substantial yet balanced dish.

Can Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream be frozen?

Baked Pasta with White Ragu and Asparagus Cream can be frozen, but it is important to follow some simple guidelines to preserve its quality. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning it and placing it in airtight containers. It is advisable to freeze individual portions to facilitate thawing and subsequent consumption. When you decide to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours and then reheat in the oven to bring it back to the ideal temperature. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dish even on subsequent days, keeping the flavors and nutritional properties intact.